STEVE Waggott admits it’s a “tough” decision picking the right man to take Coventry City forward.

The Sky Blues are close to naming their 11th manager in 11 years after interviewing nine candidates over the last few days with a wide range of qualities from experienced managers to more modern-day coaches who would appear to fit the current set-up with the man in the hotseat reporting to Waggott who is, effectively, a director of football.

“The first round of interviews went into the evening on Tuesday and continued yesterday so we’ve done it over two to three days,” said City’s development director, who made up a three-man panel including chief executive Tim Fisher and deputy chairman John Clarke.

“It’s been pretty full-on but any time you appoint a manager it’s a crucial time for a club and although there is often a haste from supporters and other people at the club to get it settled and to appoint, I just want to make sure that along with Tim Fisher, the board and the owner that we don’t have a knee-jerk reaction.

“I know results have gone against us recently which puts even more pressure into the system and I understand that but I just want to make sure the appointment is very considered and the opinion that we come out with at the end of it has been thoughtful and we’ve gone through the process and framework to get the right person for the club for where we are at this juncture in League One.

“It’s a strong field with a lot of different people bringing lots of different skill sets in. I think I’ve touched on it before in terms of what I would call experienced managers, up and coming managers who see it as the next stepping stone and a challenge, because it is a big challenge and great opportunity as well.

“And there’s also potential for what I would call a more modern day first team coach, so it’s an interesting mix and it’s going to be a tough decision to make sure we get the right one.”

In terms of feedback from the candidates, all are agreed that the current squad should be good enough to mount a promotion challenge and recognise that there is a need for more pace in the side which Waggott is hopeful of addressing in the loan market.

He said: “We have been very impressed and encouraged with the level of research and professionalism showed by everyone who had made it through to this stage.

“They all would clearly relish the challenge of helping us return to where a club of our size should be and look forward to the journey.

“Importantly, to a person, all candidates thought that, without doubt, we have a good strong squad more than capable of challenging for promotion - with a small number of tweaks in particular around pace and tempo.

“The candidates equally appreciated the level of budget we have invested in the squad despite relegation. Further trading within the loan window can be expected following the appointment of the new manager.”

As for Richard Shaw’s position, he added: “Richard – who is very much under consideration for the role and was interviewed on Tuesday – is preparing the squad for the game on Saturday and we want him to have the full support of everyone.

"An encouraging performance and a successful trip to Tranmere would give everyone a much needed lift.”